US3775986A - Method and apparatus for making remote pipeline connections - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for making remote pipeline connections Download PDF

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Publication number
US3775986A
US3775986A US00248077A US3775986DA US3775986A US 3775986 A US3775986 A US 3775986A US 00248077 A US00248077 A US 00248077A US 3775986D A US3775986D A US 3775986DA US 3775986 A US3775986 A US 3775986A
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Prior art keywords
pipeline
housing
guide
framework
manipulator assembly
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US00248077A
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English (en)
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A Daughtry
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ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Exxon Production Research Co
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/01—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells specially adapted for obtaining from underwater installations
    • E21B43/013—Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head
    • E21B43/0135—Connecting a production flow line to an underwater well head using a pulling cable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
    • F16L37/002—Couplings of the quick-acting type which can be controlled at a distance

Definitions

  • Pipe of relatively small diameter can generally be aligned withoutdifficulty but movement of the end of a long string of large diameter pipe to permit its precise alignment with the equipment to which it is 1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention provides an improved method and ap- .paratus for connectingpipelines to wellheads and other underwater equipment which avoids many of the difficulties apt to be encountered with systems proposed in the past.
  • the system of the invention employs a manipulating structure which can be lowered into place adjacent the wellhead or other underwater equipment before the connection is made.
  • This manipulating structure includes an outer framework or housing within which are mounted intermediate and inner frameworks, one of which is arranged to pivot about .a horizontal axis and the other of which is designed to pivot about vertical axis.
  • the inner framework includes one or more generally horizontal guide funnels which are aligned with sheaves mounted near the end of the apparatus facing the wellhead or other underwater installations. Lines are extended through the guide funnels and sheaves from the underwater pipeline to the surface platform or vessel before the apparatus is lowered into place on the ocean floor. A pulling yoke provided with horizontal guide posts to which the lines are attached is mounted near the end of the pipeline.
  • the manipulating structure is first lowered on guide lines to a previously installed base plate and latched into position adjacent the wellhead or other installation to which the pulling yoke have been seated in the guide funnels of connector can then be lowered into position adjacent the two ends and actuated.
  • FIGll in the drawing is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of the manipulator assembly, par.- tially in section, showing the guide funnels and other features of the apparatus;
  • FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken about the line 2--2;
  • FIG. 3 depicts the pulling yoke used with the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view similar-to FIG. 2 which shows rotation of the inner framework of the apparatus as the pipeline is pulled into place;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4 after the guide posts on the pulling yoke have been seated in the guide funnels;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an underwater installation as a remotely operated connector is lowered into place for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 1 through 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a-vertical view, partially in section, of an al-' temate embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross section through the apparatus of FIG. 7 taken about the line 8 -8 in FIG. 7;
  • FIG. 9 is-an end view of theapparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8;
  • FIG. 10 depicts the pullingyoke employed with the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9;
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of an actuating cage used with the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9;
  • FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the cage of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 13 is an end view of the apparatus of FIGS. II and 12;
  • FIG. 14 is a lateral view of still another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 14 taken about the line 1515 in FIG. 14.
  • the guide posts are mounted on a previously installed guide base, not shown in FIG. 1, which is located adjacent an underwater wellhead or similar installation from which a pipe 17 to which the pipeline is to be connected extends.
  • the guide lines extend upwardly from the upper ends of the guide posts to the surface of the water and are connected to winches aboard the platform or vessel from which operations are being carried out.
  • the guide base will normally be installed with the wellhead or other underwater equipment and may be of conventional design.
  • An outer framework or housing 18 of steel or the like is mounted on the opposite end of base plate from the guide funnels 11 and 12.
  • This housing is shown in FIG. 1 as a box-like structure but, as will become apparent later, may instead be an open framework fabricated from structural steel members, pipe, or the like.
  • Padeyes or simiar members 19 are provided near the upper corners of the outer housing for lowering the apparatus into position by means of cables 20.
  • An intermediate housing or framework 21 is mounted within the outer housing or horizontal axles 22 and 23. An indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intermediate housing extends over substantially the entire width of the outer housing but is not as high as the outer housing.
  • the horizontal axles permit limited rotation of the intermediate structure within the outer housing.
  • the intermediate housing may be constructed from plates as shown or can be an open framework made of pipe, channels, or simiar structure steel members. Bearings may be provided in the housing wall to facilitate movement of the intermediate structure about horizontal axles 22 and 23 if desired. Latches 24 on the outer housing permit latching of the structure in place.
  • An inner framework or housing 25 is positioned within the intermediate housing and supported by vertical axles 26, only one of which appears in the drawing.
  • This inner housing is of substantially the same height as the inside of the intermediate housing but is considerably narrower. This makes possible limited rotation of the inner housing within the intermediate housing in the horizontal plane.
  • Bearings 27 are provided in the floor of the inner housing to reduce friction between the inner and intermediate structures.
  • Horizontal guide funnels 28 and 29 are mounted in the inner housing near the back thereof.
  • the floor 30 of the inner housing extends forward beyond the front of the intermediate housing and supports vertical sheaves 31 and 32. Pulling cables 33 and 34 extend through the horizontal guide funnels, pass under the sheaves, and extend to the waters surface. The ends of the pulling cables beneath the water are attached to a pulling yoke 35, shown in FIG.
  • This yoke is mounted near the end of the pipeline 36 and is provided with arms 37 and 38 which extend parallel to the pipeline. Dogs 39 and 40 are mounted near the ends of the arms to lock the yoke in place after it has been seated in the horizontal guide funnels. The dogs snap outwardly after the ends of the arms emerge from the funnels and thus hold the assembly in place.
  • the ends of pipe 17 and pipeline 36 are provided with fittings 41 and 42 on which the remote connectors to be employed may be seated.
  • the length of the pipeline extending beyond the yoke is such that the end of the pipeline will be properly spaced from the end of pipe 17 when the yoke is seated.
  • the apparatus described above is employed for the installation of an underwater pipeline at a submerged wellhead or other installation by first mounting yoke 35 at the proper position near the end of the pipeline and attaching a fitting 42 for the particular type of connector to be employed. This may be done on a laybarge or similar vessel while the end of the pipeline is suspended above the waters surface or, if the pipeline is to be installed by the bottom-pull method, onshore before the end of the pipeline is launched.
  • the ends of cables 33 and 34 are attached to arms 37 and 38 and one or more lifting cables is connected to the pipeline behind the yoke.
  • the pipeline can then be lowered back into place on the ocean floor or, with the bottom-pull method, launched into the water.
  • the manipulator assembly is suspended by means of cables 20 from the platform or vessel from which the pipeline connecting operation is to be carried out.
  • Guide lines 13 and 14 are passed upwardly through vertical guide funnels 11 and 12, pulled taut, and secured aboard the platform or vessel.
  • the free ends of pulling cables 33 and 34 are passed through horizontal guide funnels 28 and 29, positioned beneath sheaves 31 and 32, and connected to winches onboard the platform or vessel.
  • the assembly is then lowered into place on the guide lines until the vertical guide funnels have passed downwardly over guide posts 15 and 16 on the base plate and the apparatus is positioned adjacent pipe 17 to which the pipeline is to be connected.
  • slack may be taken up in cables 33 and 34 to keep the cables on the sheaves and avoid cable entanglement difficulties.
  • An underwater lighting and television system or other monitoring equipment will normally be mounted on the assembly or lowered separately to permit checking of the position of the equipment as it is lowered and provide a means for ascertaining that the assembly is in the proper final position at the end of the lowering operation.
  • the latches or hooks 24 on the outer housing are pushed aside by pad-eyes or similar members on the guide base, not shown, as the manipulator assembly nears the base and fall back into place to lock the assembly in position as the apparatus comes to rest. This prevents unwanted movement of the assembly during later phases of the operation.
  • the pulling of the pipeline into position can be commenced. Cables 33 and 34 are pulled taut by means of winches on the platform or vessel from which the operation is being carried out and the end of the pipeline and pulling yoke are slowly moved into position. As the cables are pulled in, the intermediate housing 21 will normally tip downwardly at the back of the manipulator assembly to minimize contact between the moving cables and the horizontal guide funnels. If the end of the pipeline 36 and pipe 17 are not aligned, the inner housing 25 will pivot about axle 26 as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawing to permit a direct pull on the pipeline and yoke.
  • the ends can be aligned after the yoke has been seated by use of the lifting cables to move the portion of the pipeline behind the manipulator assembly to the left-or right and up or down as required.
  • the underwater television system or other equipment used to monitor lowering of the manipulator assembly into position can be employed to facilitate this.
  • means can also be provided to lock the manipulator into a position such that the two ends will be in alignment.
  • FIG. 6 in the drawing depicts the manipulator assembly in position on guide base 43 with the end of pipeline 36 held by lifting cable 44 so that the end of the pipeline is properly aligned with the end of pipe 17.
  • a hydraulically actuated remote connector 45 is being lowered into place on guide lines 13 and 14 by means of running tool 46.
  • the remote connecting device and running tool are of conventional design and are available commercially.
  • the connector is lowered until the arms on the running tool engage the pipe ends. If necessary, the end of pipeline 36 can bemoved by means of one or more cables 44 to secure more precise alignment and permit seating of the connector and running tool.
  • hydraulic fluid introduced by line 47 actuates the connector so that fittings41 and 42 on the pipe ends are engaged and a seal is formed.
  • the remote connector will normally include means for testing the connection to insure that proper seals have been obtained. Continuous monitoring by underwater television or other means also helps insure proper makeup of the connection.
  • the running tool is disengaged in the conventional mannerand withdrawn to the surface.
  • the guide lines 13 and 14 can then be disengaged from the apparatus and cable 44 can be removed by means of acutting device lowered on the cable.
  • FIGS. 7 through 13 in the drawings depict an alternate embodiment of the invention which is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 but includes additional features.
  • the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9 includes an outer framework constructed of wide flange beams or similar structural steel members.
  • This framework includes a rear section made up of lower longitudinal members 50 and 51, upper longitudinal members 52 and 53, right side vertical members 54, 55 and 56, left side vertical members 57, '58 and 59, bottom cross members 60, 61 and62, and top cross members 63, 64 and 65.
  • the front section of the outer framework includes longitudinal members 66, 67, 68 and 69. These longitudinal members are joined at the front by plates 70, 71, 72 and 73 in which guide sleeves 74 and 75 are mounted.
  • the insidediameters of the guide sleeves are such that the sleeves will slide downwardly over guide posts 76 and 77 without difficulty.
  • Guide lines 78 and 79 extend upwardly from the guide posts to the waters surfaceand may be mounted in sockets which permit their ready removal following use of the apparatus.
  • Padeyes or similar members 80 are installed on the upper corners of the outer framework for the attachment of cables used in lowering the apparatus into place from a platform or floating vessel.
  • Legs 81 on the lower corner support the apparatusa predetermined distance above a base plate 82 previously installed on the ocean floor adjacent the underwater wellhead or other installation to which the pipeline is to be connected.
  • Latches 83 are provided at the lower comers for holding the apparatus in place after it has been low ered into the proper position. These latches are pushed aside by padeyes or similar member 84 on the base plate and fall back into place under their own weight. Other latching mechanisms may be employed in lieu of these devices.
  • the intermediate housing of the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9 includes upper longitudinal members 86 and 87, lower longitudinal members 88 and 89, right side vertical members 90, 91, 92 and 93, left side verticalmembers 94, 95, 96 and 97, top cross members 98, 99, and 101, and bottom cross members 102, 103, 104and 105.
  • the intermediate housing is connected to the outer housing by means of vertical axles 106 and 107. These axles are held in place between cross members 99 and 100 and 103 and 104 on the intermediate housing and cross members 60 and 61 and 63 and 64 on the outer housing. This permits limited horizontal rotation of the intermediate housing within the outer housing. As can be seen from FIG.
  • the foremost vertical members 90 and 94 on the intermediate housing extend upwardly above the rest of the housing and support cross member98.
  • Horizontal axle 108 is mounted on the intermediate housing and held in place by plate 109, 110, 111 and 112. These in turn are supported by braces 113, 114,115 and 116.
  • Sheaves 117 and 118 are positioned on axle 108 near the outer ends of the axle and move withthe intermediate housing.
  • Bearings 119 are mounted between lower horizontal member 62 on the outer housing and lower horizontal member on the intermediate housingto help support the intermediate housing and reduce friction as it rotates within the outer housing. Additional bearings may be provided near the center of the intermediate housing if :desired.
  • the inner framework or housing in the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9 includes upper longitudinal members 121 and 122, lower longitudinal members 123and 124, right side vertical members 125, 125 and 127, left side vertical members 128, 129 and 130, top cross members 131, 132 and 133, and correspondingbottom cross members 134, 135 and 136. Not all of these members can be'seen in the drawing.
  • the inner framework or housing is mounted on horizontal axles 137 and 138. which in turn are supported between vertical members 91 and 92 and'9'5 and 96 on the intermediatehousing and vertical members 125 and .126 and 128 and :129 on the innerhousing. This permits; limited vertical rotation of the inner housing with respectto the intermediate housing.
  • Heavy tension springs 139 and .140 at therear of the inner and intermediate housings, a counterbalance system, orother means is provided to help center the innerhousing within the intermediate housing without preventing such limited rotation.
  • Horizontal guide tubes 141 and 142 aremounted in the inner framework and are supported by braces 143, 144, 145 and 146 at the rear of the innerframework and by .corresponding members at the front of theiinner framework. Pulling cables 147 and l48extendthrough the guide tubes and beneath sheaves 117 and 118 as shown in FIGS. 7 through 9.
  • FIG. 10 in the drawing illustrates the pulling yoke employed with the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 9.
  • This yoke comprises a yoke member 149 which is welded, clamped or otherwise affixed to pipeline 150 at the proper distance from the end of the pipeline to permit connection on the line when the yoke is seated in the apparatus.
  • Arms 151 are mounted near the ends of the yoke and extend forward parallel to the pipeline.
  • detachable work sockets 153 and 154 At the ends of the two arms are mounted detachable work sockets 153 and 154 in which cables 147 and 148 are fixed. These detachable sockets are held in place by means of pins 155 and 156. As will be pointed out later, the pins can be forced downwardly out of the sockets to permit release of the cables.
  • Spring-loaded dogs or similar devices of the type shown in the earlier embodiment may be employed to lock the yoke and arms in place within the horizontal guide tubes if desired.
  • FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 in the drawing illustrate an actuating cage designed for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 10.
  • This actuating cage comprises a framework made up of upper longitudinal members 160 and 161, lower longitudinal members 162 and 163, right side vertical members 164 and 165, and corresponding left side vertical members 166 and 167.
  • Frost cross member 168 extends between longitudinal members 160 and 161 and supports guide sleeves 169 and 170. These two sleeves are spaced so that they will slide downwardly over guide posts 76 and 77 in FIGS. 7 through 10 as the actuating cage is lowered into place.
  • Cross members 171 and 172 extend between longitudinal members 161 and vertical members 164 and 166, respectively, near the middle of the actuating cage.
  • Cross member 173 is located near the back of the apparatus at the upper ends of vertical members 165 and 167. At the back of the actuating cage, cross member 174 is supported by lateral members 175 and 176 and diagonal braces 177 and 178. The dimensions of these members are such that the actuator cage will slip downwardly over the outer framework of the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9. Padeyes 179, 180, 181 and 182 are provided for the attachment of lines to raise and lower the cage.
  • Hydraulic cylinders 183 and 184 are mounted on plates 185 and 186 extending downwardly from cross member 172. These cylinders are spaced so that the pins 187 and 188 attached to the piston will contact pins 155 and 156 when yoke 149 is in place and the two hydraulic cylinders are actuated. Hydraulic cylinders 190 and 191 are mounted on brackets 192 and 193 extending outwardly near the lower ends of vertical members 165 and 166. The pistons of these hydraulic cylinders are connected to plates 194 and 195 which move inwardly in response to actuation of the cylinders. The positions of the two cylinders are such that the plates will contact horizontal members 123 and 124 on the inner framework of the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9.
  • hydraulic cylinder 196 is mounted in a vertical position on plate 197 which is supported from cross member 174.
  • the piston of this latter cylinder is connected to a hydraulically actuated hook 198 which can be used to grasp padeye 157 on yoke 149 when the yoke is in position with respect to the apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 9.
  • the bydraulic lines extending to the various cylinders are not shown in the drawing.
  • FIGS. 7 through 13 The apparatus of FIGS. 7 through 13 is employed in much the same manner as that shown in FIGS. 1
  • yoke 149 is mounted near the end of the pipeline in a position such that the portion of the line extending forward of the yoke will be the proper length. Cables 147 and 148 are connected to the ends of arms 151 and 152, one or more lifting bridles are attached to the pipeline behind the yoke at appropriate positions, and the end of the pipeline is then lowered into position on the ocean floor.
  • the manipulator cage is suspended by means of cables attached to padeyes from the offshore platform or floating vessel from which the pipeline connected operation is to be carried out.
  • cables 147 and 148 are passed through horizontal guide tubes 141 and 142 in the inner framework of the manipulator, passed beneath sheaves 117 and 118, and then connected to winches onboard the platform or vessel.
  • Guide cables 78 and 79 extending from guide posts 76 and 77 on a preinstalled guide base adjacent the wellhead or other underwater installation, are passed through guide sleeves 74 and 75 on the manipulator assembly and pulled taut by means of winches or the like.
  • the manipulator assembly is slowly lowered over the guide cables and guide posts into position on the guide base.
  • Latches 83 on the lower portion of the manipulator assembly engage padeyes 84, are pushed aside, and fall back into place under their own weight to hold the manipulator assembly in position on the guide base.
  • Tension is then taken in pulling cables 147 and 148 to move the end of the pipeline and yoke into position with respect to the manipulator assembly.
  • the intermediate housing may be rotated about vertical axles 106 and 107 if the pipeline is not in alignment with the assembly.
  • the inner framework will normally rotate downwardly about horizontal axles 137 and 138 as the end of the pipeline and the yoke are pulled. This limited rotation of the inner and intermediate frameworks aids in pulling the pipeline into the proper position and reduces friction between the cables and the manipulator assembly.
  • the end of the pipeline beyond the pulling yoke may be lifted off bottom by means of cables extending to the waters surface in order to reduce drag on the bottom and facilitate movement of the end of the pipeline into the necessary position.
  • arms I51 and 152 enter horizontal guide tubes 141 and 142, while the end of the pipeline passes between the two guide tubes. Pulling is discontinued after yoke 149 abuts against the ends of the two guide tubes. At this point, both the inner framework and the intermediate framework may be in position such that the end of the pipeline will not be aligned with the end of the corresponding pipe to which the connection is to be made.
  • the remote connector to be employed can be lowered into position on a suitable running tool andused to makethe connection between the end of the pipeline and the end of the corresponding pipe on the wellhead or other installation.
  • pulling cables 147 and 148 can be removed by actuating hydraulic cylinders 183 and 184 so that pins 187 and 188punchpins 155 and 156 out of the ends of arms 151 and 152. This frees the ends of the two pulling cables and permits them to be withdrawn to the surface.
  • the hydraulic cylinders on the actuating cage can be moved back into their original positions and the cage can then be lifted to the surface.
  • the cablesattached to the manipulator assembly can be removed or lowered to one side on the bottom for recovery by grappling if desired.
  • the assembly itself is left in position on the guide base as a pipe support adjacent the underwater installation.
  • the actuator cage shown in FIGS. 11 through 13 can be dispensed with and hydraulic cylinders or other devices for positioning the inner and intermediate frameworks on the manipulator assembly can be mounted on the outer framework.
  • the cables can be fixed in place and later removed by means of hydraulically actuated cutting devices positioned on the cage or outer framework of the manipulator assembly.
  • a single pulling cable, guide funnel, and sheave in some cases be used in place of the dual system shown in the drawing.
  • Spring-loaded pins orsimilar devices can be employed to lock the inner and intermediate cages into fixed positions after the endsof the pipeline have been aligned if desired.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 in the drawing depict still another embodiment of the invention.
  • This embodiment employs a generally semicircular base plate 200 which .is lowered into position on a preinstalled guide base 201 by means of guide posts 202 and 203 and attached guide lines 204 and 205 extending to the waters surface.
  • a framework or housing 206 of wide flange beams or similar structural steel members is mounted on base plate 200 by means of a vertical axle 207 extending upwardly from the base plate.
  • Bearings 208 and 209 permit rotation of the frameworkon thebase plate about the axle as indicated by the dottedlines.
  • Vertical sheaves 210 and 211 are mounted near the forward end of the framework to accommodate pulling cables 212 and 213.
  • Horizontal guide tubes 214 and 215 are mounted in fixed position within the framework and held in place by brackets 216.and 217.
  • Pipeline 218 has been pulled into position in framework 206 by means of a pulling yoke 219 which is mounted on the pipeline near the end thereof.
  • the arms on the pulling yoke which extend into horizontal guide tubes 214 and 215 are not shown in the drawing. Cables 212 and 213 are attached to these arms.
  • the end of the pipeline terminates in an upturned elbow 220 which ex tends vertically over axle 207.
  • Bracket 221 supports the end of the pipeline between the two funnel tubes.
  • the corresponding pipe 222to which the pipeline 218 isto be connected is alsoprovided with an upturned elbow 223 and is held at theproper height by supports 224 and 225.
  • This remove connector assembly comprises arunning tool 226on which is carried a U-shaped pipe section 227 fitted with a hydraulically actuated connector 228 and 229 at each end.
  • Detachable hydraulic pods 230 and 231 are plugged intothe connectors and attached to the running tool. Hydraulic lines 232 extend to the surface to provide fluid to the assembly and maybe supported on lifting cables233 ifdesired. Remote connectors of this type are available commercially. and will-be familiar to those skilled in the art.
  • the connector is actuated from the surface to complete the connection.
  • the running tool and hydraulic pods can be separated hydraulically from the pipe member and withdrawn to the surface.
  • the apparatus of FIGS. 14 and 15 differs from that shownearlier in that it does not include any provisions for moving the end of the pipeline about a horizontal axis. Because of the configuration of the end of the pipeline in the carriage, the use of one or more lifting bridles or similar cables onthe pipe behind the yoke nonnally permits adequate positioning of the pipe without using an internal framework mounted on a horizontal axis. This particular embodiment of the apparatus minimizes alignment difficulties. Regardless of the directionfrom which the. pipeline approaches the wellhead or other installation, proper alignment can readily be obtained provided that elbow 220 is positioned directly over axle207.
  • a method for connecting the end of an underwater pipeline to the end of a pipe at an underwater installation which comprises lowering a pipeline manipulator assembly including a movable housing into a predetermined position adjacent said underwater installation, connecting a pulling yoke to said pipeline at a point near said end thereof, pulling said end of said pipeline into position within said housing of said pipeline manipulator assembly, locking said pipeline in place within said housing, moving said pipeline and housing until said end of said pipeline is aligned with said end of said pipe, lowering a remote connector into position adjacent said end of said pipe and said end of said pipeline, and thereafter actuating said remote connector to effect a connection of said pipeline to said pipe.
  • a method as defined by claim 2 including the additional step of remotely disconnecting said cable from said pulling'yoke after the end of the pipeline has been locked in place in said housing.
  • Apparatus for connecting the end of an underwater pipeline to the end of a pipe at an underwater installation which comprises: a supporting member provided with means for latching said member to an underwater guide base, means for guiding said supporting member into position on said guide base adjacent said underwater installation, a housing positioned on said supporting member for rotation about a vertical axis, a guide funnel mounted in said housing in a substantially horizontal position, and a sheave mounted in said housing in front of said guide funnel for directing a cable passing through the guide funnel upwardly towardthe waters surface.
  • Apparatus as defined by claim 10 which also includes means for rotating said housing about a horizontal axis.
  • Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said housing contains two guide funnels extending parallel to and side-by-side one another and a sheave is mounted in front of each of said guide funnels for rotation about a horizontal axis.
  • said supporting member comprises an outer framework
  • an intermediate framework is mounted in said outer framework for limited rotation therein
  • said housing is mounted in said intermediate framework for lim ited rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis about which said intermediate framework rotates within said outer framework and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said guide funnel.
  • Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said means for guiding said supporting member into position comprises a pair of vertically extending guide funnels.
  • Apparatus as defined by claim 10 including means for latching said supporting member to a preinstalled guide base.
  • Apparatus as defined by claim 10 including means for locking said housing in fixed position with respect to said supporting member.
  • Apparatus as defined by claim 13 including means for centering the position of said housing in said intermediate framework.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Joints Allowing Movement (AREA)
  • Non-Disconnectible Joints And Screw-Threaded Joints (AREA)
  • Branch Pipes, Bends, And The Like (AREA)
US00248077A 1972-04-27 1972-04-27 Method and apparatus for making remote pipeline connections Expired - Lifetime US3775986A (en)

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JP (1) JPS5435161B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
AU (1) AU473021B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
CA (1) CA971479A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
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Cited By (21)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3946805A (en) * 1974-04-08 1976-03-30 Hydril Company Underwater connections at well head locations
US4133182A (en) * 1977-01-13 1979-01-09 Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (Production) Apparatus and method of connecting a flowline to a subsea station
US4175620A (en) * 1977-12-06 1979-11-27 Brown & Root, Inc. Methods and apparatus for anchoring offshore pipeline
US4225270A (en) * 1978-05-22 1980-09-30 Maurer Engineering Inc. Method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to an offshore installation
US4277202A (en) * 1978-05-12 1981-07-07 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Positioning of the end of an underwater flowline
US4310263A (en) * 1980-06-27 1982-01-12 Exxon Production Research Company Pipeline connection system
US4329085A (en) * 1978-12-27 1982-05-11 Smith International, Inc. Connection of underwater lines
US4544036A (en) * 1984-02-17 1985-10-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Vertical flowline connector
US4842075A (en) * 1987-06-09 1989-06-27 Mobil Oil Corporation Subsea flowline connection system
US4886395A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-12-12 Standard Oil Company Pipeline to riser connection method and apparatus
US5244045A (en) * 1990-10-12 1993-09-14 Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Tool for simultaneous vertical connections
FR2749918A1 (fr) * 1996-06-14 1997-12-19 Coflexip Systeme et procede de liaison entre deux ensembles mobiles l'un par rapport a l'autre, notamment dans des installations sous-marines
RU2104449C1 (ru) * 1996-03-01 1998-02-10 Валерий Емельянович Финько Блок сжижения газа
US20060231266A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-10-19 Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. -Petrobras System for direct vertical connection between contiguous subsea equipment and method of installation of said connection
US20120324688A1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2012-12-27 Plus One Techno Co.,Ltd. Pipe assembling device
EP2746530A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-25 Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS Subsea arrangement
US20160075098A1 (en) * 2014-09-15 2016-03-17 Eric Anthony Link Bag folding machine
US20190112881A1 (en) * 2015-10-08 2019-04-18 Mhwirth As Hoisting system
US20190137005A1 (en) * 2016-04-11 2019-05-09 Equinor Energy As Tie in of pipeline to subsea structure
US11441703B2 (en) 2020-01-31 2022-09-13 Faith Technologies, Inc. Conduit alignment tool with wings
CN115163921A (zh) * 2022-06-30 2022-10-11 中海石油(中国)有限公司 位于海床泥面下钢圆筒防护水下生产系统管汇的安装方法

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FR2556441B1 (fr) * 1983-12-07 1986-08-22 Alsthom Atlantique Appareillage a manchette flottante de raccordement etanche, reversible et telecommande de canalisations, notamment immergees

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US3604731A (en) * 1969-05-19 1971-09-14 Shell Oil Co Simultaneous pipeline-wellhead connections
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US3591204A (en) * 1968-05-07 1971-07-06 Fmc Corp Underwater flow line connector system
US3604731A (en) * 1969-05-19 1971-09-14 Shell Oil Co Simultaneous pipeline-wellhead connections
US3592014A (en) * 1969-09-04 1971-07-13 North American Rockwell Pipe-connecting system for the remote connection of pipe ends
US3693350A (en) * 1971-01-11 1972-09-26 Commercial Shearing Hydraulic control circuits and apparatus
US3701261A (en) * 1971-02-08 1972-10-31 Brown & Root Apparatus for providing offshore installation

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3946805A (en) * 1974-04-08 1976-03-30 Hydril Company Underwater connections at well head locations
US4133182A (en) * 1977-01-13 1979-01-09 Societe Nationale Elf Aquitaine (Production) Apparatus and method of connecting a flowline to a subsea station
US4175620A (en) * 1977-12-06 1979-11-27 Brown & Root, Inc. Methods and apparatus for anchoring offshore pipeline
US4277202A (en) * 1978-05-12 1981-07-07 Compagnie Francaise Des Petroles Positioning of the end of an underwater flowline
US4225270A (en) * 1978-05-22 1980-09-30 Maurer Engineering Inc. Method and apparatus for connecting a flowline to an offshore installation
US4329085A (en) * 1978-12-27 1982-05-11 Smith International, Inc. Connection of underwater lines
US4310263A (en) * 1980-06-27 1982-01-12 Exxon Production Research Company Pipeline connection system
US4544036A (en) * 1984-02-17 1985-10-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Vertical flowline connector
US4842075A (en) * 1987-06-09 1989-06-27 Mobil Oil Corporation Subsea flowline connection system
US4886395A (en) * 1987-07-02 1989-12-12 Standard Oil Company Pipeline to riser connection method and apparatus
US5244045A (en) * 1990-10-12 1993-09-14 Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Tool for simultaneous vertical connections
RU2104449C1 (ru) * 1996-03-01 1998-02-10 Валерий Емельянович Финько Блок сжижения газа
FR2749918A1 (fr) * 1996-06-14 1997-12-19 Coflexip Systeme et procede de liaison entre deux ensembles mobiles l'un par rapport a l'autre, notamment dans des installations sous-marines
WO1997047856A3 (fr) * 1996-06-14 1998-04-16 Coflexip Systeme et procede de liaison entre deux ensembles mobiles l'un par rapport a l'autre, notamment dans des installations sous-marines
US20060231266A1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-10-19 Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. -Petrobras System for direct vertical connection between contiguous subsea equipment and method of installation of said connection
US7422066B2 (en) * 2005-03-10 2008-09-09 Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras System for direct vertical connection between contiguous subsea equipment and method of installation of said connection
US9061362B2 (en) * 2010-01-19 2015-06-23 Plus One Techno Co., Ltd. Pipe assembling device
US20120324688A1 (en) * 2010-01-19 2012-12-27 Plus One Techno Co.,Ltd. Pipe assembling device
AU2013270573B2 (en) * 2012-12-21 2017-03-02 Vetco Gray Scandinavia As Subsea arrangement
US9228677B2 (en) 2012-12-21 2016-01-05 Vetco Gray Scandinavia.As Subsea arrangement
EP2746530A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-25 Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS Subsea arrangement
US20160075098A1 (en) * 2014-09-15 2016-03-17 Eric Anthony Link Bag folding machine
US20190112881A1 (en) * 2015-10-08 2019-04-18 Mhwirth As Hoisting system
US10633936B2 (en) * 2015-10-08 2020-04-28 Mhwirth As Hoisting system
US20190137005A1 (en) * 2016-04-11 2019-05-09 Equinor Energy As Tie in of pipeline to subsea structure
US10627011B2 (en) * 2016-04-11 2020-04-21 Equinor Energy As Tie in of pipeline to subsea structure
US11441703B2 (en) 2020-01-31 2022-09-13 Faith Technologies, Inc. Conduit alignment tool with wings
CN115163921A (zh) * 2022-06-30 2022-10-11 中海石油(中国)有限公司 位于海床泥面下钢圆筒防护水下生产系统管汇的安装方法
CN115163921B (zh) * 2022-06-30 2024-03-08 中海石油(中国)有限公司 位于海床泥面下钢圆筒防护水下生产系统管汇的安装方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IE38002L (en) 1973-10-27
JPS4921710A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-02-26
IE38002B1 (en) 1977-12-07
NO140439B (no) 1979-05-21
JPS5435161B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1979-10-31
CA971479A (en) 1975-07-22
FR2181705B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1980-04-04
FR2181705A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-12-07
NO140439C (no) 1979-08-29
AU4999872A (en) 1974-06-13
GB1404207A (en) 1975-08-28
AU473021B2 (en) 1976-06-10

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